AMETEK BPS Series Programming Manual - Manual (Page 26)

AMETEK Programmable Power BPS / MX / RS Series SCPI Programming Manual
26 Manual P/N 7003-961 Rev AA
3.4 USB Interface
A standard USB Series B device connector is located on the rear panel for remote control. A
standard USB cable between the AC Source and a PC or USB Hub may be used. Refer to
user manual 7003-960 for connector pin out information.
Unlike RS232, there are no generic drivers available as a rule for use in programming
environments such as LabView, LabWindows/CVI or Visual Basic. However, support for
USB is included under VISA and may be used to interface to the power source using the
USB interface.
A virtual serial port utility is provided on CD ROM CIC496, which ships with the power
source. This utility will provide a virtual COM port on a PC under Windows XP. This allows
programs to use the USB port as though it is a regular serial port on the PC. The baud rate
for this mode of operation is fixed at 460,800. The USB-Serial Adaptor installation must be
run to install the virtual com port driver. This option is only supported under Windows XP at
this time.
Note: Use of the USB port to control more than one power source from a single PC
is not recommended, as communication may not be reliable. Use GPIB
interface for multiple power source control.
3.4.1 USB Driver Installation
When connecting the AC source through the USB interface to Windows XP PC, the
presence of a new USB device will be detected. Windows will display a dialog after a short
delay prompting the user to install the USB device drivers. There are two steps to this
process.
The first one installs the USB decive itself. The second step allows installation of the USB to
COM virtual port driver. This driver will allow access to the AC source USB interface using a
virtual COM port. Many programming environments support RS232 access but not USB.
The USB-to-COM virtual port driver is distributed on the CIC496 CD ROM.
Step 1: USB Device Driver installation